Student visa dependants: partner and children
Only certain Students can bring dependants. Check the current course, sponsorship and government-sponsorship rules before relying on this route.
Reviewed 11 August 2026 by the KR Services editorial team · Verify current requirements on GOV.UK
Who counts as a dependant
- A husband, wife or civil partner.
- An unmarried partner who meets the current relationship requirements.
- A child under 18, including a child born in the UK during the Student's stay.
When a Student can bring dependants
- The Student must fall within a category currently permitted by the rules, such as certain government-sponsored students or qualifying postgraduate research courses.
- The published restrictions depend on the course start date, level and type. Read the current GOV.UK page rather than assuming every postgraduate course qualifies.
Money for each dependant
- London courses: £845 per month for up to 9 months—maximum £7,605 for each dependant.
- Courses outside London: £680 per month for up to 9 months—maximum £6,120 for each dependant.
- The money is normally held for 28 consecutive days, with the period ending within 31 days of applying.
- A dependant who has lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months may not need to prove maintenance.
Documents and charges
- Relationship evidence such as a marriage, civil partnership or birth certificate.
- Each dependant pays a separate application fee and normally pays the student-rate IHS for their visa period.
- Additional evidence applies to children aged 16 or over and to children whose parents are not applying together.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Check the current GOV.UK rules
GOV.UK and the official application determine the final evidence and charges.